Why do ads for beach holidays always seem to feature scantily-clad couples frolicking on a beach? Read between the lines, guys: The not-so-subtle message is that if you take a trip with your significant other, you’ll get some. And we’re not talking about a suntan!

Better sex on vacation

Thing is, there’s some substance to this message. A 2013 Tripcentral.ca poll conducted by IPSOS Reid revealed that 53% of Canadian women say vacation sex is better than sex at home. Then there’s a recent survey by the U.S. Travel Association, which found that 77% of couples who travel together reported having a good sex life, compared to 63% of homebodies. In fact, more than a quarter of those surveyed said their sex lives improved after traveling together.

Why vacations boost our sex lives

So why do vacations boost our sex lives? There is some science behind the extra sexy time. Sleepless nights from screaming children, overtime at work during crunch time, or ever-increasing bills can all contribute to really stressing you out.

A relaxing vacation curbs your body’s production of cortisol, a hormone that causes stress. As tension and anxiety fade away, your overall mood will improve and you’ll start to get in the mood… for love.

No passport required

But who needs a reason? Just go with it! You don’t even need a beach or a hotel room to take a vacation. Getting away from it all is as much about your attitude as it is about your latitude, which is why a budget-friendly “staycation” — a stay-at-home vacation — can be just as relaxing and arousing.

Sources:

Tripcentral.ca Survey: http://www.tripcentral.ca/vacation-sex-survey/

U.S. Travel Associaton: http://pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com/2013/02/07/us-travel-association-survey-better-sex-when-traveling-together/